Man killed in police operation in St Catherine, Jamaica; INDECOM launches investigation

Jamaica: A 50-year-old laborer was shot and killed by police during an early morning operation in Ewarton, St Catherine, on August 6. The deceased has been identified as Shawn McDermott, also known as ‘Rammy’ of Sterling Castle in Ewarton.

According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the incident took place at around 5:00 am, when officers carried out a targeted operation in the Whitehouse community.

The police said that the team entered the premises when McDermott reportedly opened a back door and pointed an illegal gun at the officers. They countered the attack and started firing towards him. McDermott was hit during the shooting and was later found suffering from gunshot wounds.

The police said that a firearm was recovered beside his body at the site of the incident. McDermott was taken to Linstead Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was informed about the case, and a team was sent to the crime scene as the investigation continues into the fatal shooting.

According to the current statistics, more than 170 people have lost their lives by security forces that have occurred in Jamaica between January 1 and July 27, 2026. The beginning of the year was marked by 12 shootings within the first five days only and 17 fatalities by January 8.

The six incidents, on January 1 and 5, increases the year to date total fatal shootings for 2026, to twelve (12) persons shot and killed by the Security Forces. Two of the incidents were reported as planned operations, stated INDECOM.

In total, 48 people had been shot by the end of February, which rose to 105 people by April and 113 by May 1. INDECOM indicated that 133 murders had occurred by June 1, 11 within just 24 hours on June 10. As of July 27, the death toll stands at 174 individuals.

Within a 24-hour period, teams from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) were notified and responded to investigate the circumstances of five (5) separate police incidents, across four parishes. These five (5) incidents included two (2) quadruple fatal shootings and three (3) single fatal shootings, resulting in the death of eleven (11) men, noted the authority.

Locals are sharing their condolences on social media and the need for stricter actions for improved safety measures. One individual commented, “Any bodycam footage showing truth in this matter or should we just rely on the usual questionable stories?”